August 2025 – rise International

Impact in Motion: July Highlights from Lesotho & Zambia

August 7, 2025By Chris Theko0 comment

Empowering Communities Through Action – Our July rise Recap
As we move through the heart of the year, we’re excited to share some of the incredible progress and activities that took place in July across our projects in Lesotho and Zambia. From groundbreaking workshops to cross-border collaborations, July has been a month of action, learning, and impact.

Progress on the Play it Forward Project – Zambia

We’re proud to announce that the Masterplan and Concept Design for the Play it Forward (PIF) project in Zambia have been successfully completed. This marks a significant milestone in our cross-border collaboration. We now await the appointment of a Zambian architect by PIF for the official design handover and presentation, which will usher in the next exciting phase of this transformative community project.

“We are growing together” – Peter from PRO Construction Shares His Testimony

This month, we had the pleasure of capturing a heartfelt testimonial video from Peter Makhetha, founder of PRO Construction and one of our dedicated in loco alumni. His powerful story speaks to the growth, skills, and confidence he’s gained through his partnership with rise:

“Through rise, I’ve been able to grow my business, expand my team, and take on bigger projects with purpose. We are not just building structures—we’re building livelihoods.” – Peter, PRO Construction.

International Workshop Launches at Motimposo Primary School
The 2025 International Workshop officially kicked off at Motimposo Primary School this July! Participants from ARUP, University International Catalonia (UIC Barcelona), local volunteers, and the rise team came together to construct new urinals for the boys, using eco-friendly Interlocking Compressed Earth Blocks (ICEBs). This initiative not only improves sanitation infrastructure but also promotes sustainable and community-led development.

ICEB Training for Fired Brick Manufacturers
To advance our mission of sustainable building, rise International hosted an introductory ICEB training for 30 fired brick manufacturers this month. Facilitated by Thato Nkikana, rise’s Project and Construction Manager, the session focused on how ICEB machinery works and how traditional brickmakers can adopt more eco-friendly and cost-effective practices in their work. It was an eye-opening experience for many, laying the groundwork for more sustainable construction practices across the sector.

ICEB Certification at Motimposo Primary School

As part of our commitment to promoting sustainable and innovative building methodologies, we also concluded an intensive training week focused on Interlocking Compressed Earth Block (ICEB) production. The training took place at Motimposo Primary School, where 14 participants of our International Workshop received their Certificates of Completion after successfully completing the program.

The participants engaged in a comprehensive learning experience that combined theoretical instruction, hands-on practical training, and collaborative knowledge sharing. From understanding the science behind earth-based construction to manufacturing and laying ICEBs, the workshop provided a robust foundation in this sustainable building technique.

Fellows Blogs

My Experience at the rise International Students Workshop:

August 5, 2025By Chris Theko0 comment

A Journey of Learning, Innovation, and Collaboration

From July 21st to August 1st, I had the privilege of attending an international workshop hosted by rise International, designed to promote skills transfer for emerging professionals in the built environment. As a Candidate Engineering Technologist, this experience significantly enriched both my technical knowledge and practical skills, deepening my understanding of foundational and advanced construction techniques.

The workshop was a dynamic blend of learning, creativity, and professional exchange, facilitated by local and international experts in architecture, engineering, and construction.

One of the most impactful aspects of the experience was learning how to conduct foundation setting out — a critical step in the construction process. This involves accurately marking the positions and depths of foundations on the ground to ensure structural stability and proper alignment. Gaining hands-on experience with experienced professionals boosted my confidence and gave me clarity on this fundamental stage, which often determines the overall success of a project.

Another key focus area was soil evaluation. We explored different methods of assessing soil properties through field tests, which help determine soil suitability and inform appropriate design strategies. Engaging in these trials alongside international practitioners gave me invaluable insight into global best practices and industry standards.

The spirit of innovation was ever-present throughout the workshop. One particularly memorable exercise involved using clay to redesign an existing urinal system. This task challenged me to think creatively, applying engineering principles in a hands-on and unconventional way.

With my background in materials testing — especially in soil, cement, and sand — I was able to contribute meaningfully to group discussions by sharing insights on quality control and material behavior. This knowledge exchange highlighted the workshop’s collaborative spirit and helped establish strong professional relationships.

A major highlight for me was learning how to produce Interlocking Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (ICSEBs), an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional bricks. This sustainable construction technique utilizes locally sourced soil, offering a cost-effective and low-carbon building solution. I was involved in every stage of the process: soil excavation, drying, sieving, testing, batching, and operating the hand-press machine used to produce the blocks.

Collaborating with peers and experts from diverse backgrounds fostered a rich learning environment that strengthened my technical abilities and inspired new ways of thinking. I am confident that the skills and insights I’ve gained will positively influence my future work, equipping me to contribute to more efficient, sustainable, and innovative engineering projects.